Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2010 00:40:22 +0000
From: David Lee
Subject: Brazil Affair
Warning:
This story contains scenes of love and sexual interaction between males of
consenting age. If the reading or possessing this material is illegal in
your country, state, province, county, municipality, etc., please leave
this site immediately and do not proceed further. If you are under the
legal age to read this, please do not do so. It is not my intention to
offend anyone or to get you in trouble.
The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original
story. You may not publish it or any part of it without explicit
authorization from me.
Disclaimer:
This story is completely fictional. Many of the places mentioned, and none
of the characters exist in real life. Some may possess physical or
personality characteristics of people I know or have known. But if you see
yourself in this story, your imagination is better than mine!
This is not my first attempt at writing fiction. My longer stories on
Nifty include: "Always and Forever" (March 25, 2004), "Jacob and Jacques"
(May 30, 2004), "Zeke" (August 29, 2005), "Tales from Bentonville"
(November 16, 2008), and "Second Chance" (September 24, 2010) under "High
School" in the gay male section. There are a few short stories also: "Brad
and Alan's Canoe Trip" (April 22, 2004 under "camping", "Of Angels and
Dragons" (November 8, 2008 under "camping" and "A Christmas Tale" (December
22, 2009) under "high school".
I am now posted on Nifty under the category of "Prolific Net Authors" which
will make it easier for you to access earlier stories. Some of these
stories are also posted at: www.storylover.us along with those of other
writers that may interest you.
My only reward for contributing to Nifty is your emails. Please write if
you like the story. Please include the name of the story in the title of
your email because my email service sometimes puts them in the "spam" file.
Finally, thanks and hugs to Tom and David who edit for me so that there are
fewer mistakes! They not only proof-read, but make other valuable
suggestions.
I have gotten in the habit of recognizing readers who email since the last
posting (in the "author's notes" at the end of each chapter or the
following story). I will try to continue this. Please let me know if you
would rather have a nickname posted or do not want any mention at all. I
have begun a list of readers who want a heads-up on the next posting. If
you wish to be included, please tell me and I'll try to add you.
David (dlee169@hotmail.com)
Brazil Affair
It was a fluke that I met him at all, providential perhaps. I was in the
Ponta Mar Hotel lobby around 2:00 p.m. awaiting the ride to my meeting.
Thinking that the company rep had walked in, I arose from my chair and
walked toward the entrance. False alarm; the man went up to someone else
and began conversing in rapid Portuguese. I could catch only a couple of
the words they were saying. Beyond a few things like "obrigado" and "de
nada," I was basically unable to communicate in Brazilian Portuguese.
In rising from the comfortable swivel chair, I had left it turned toward
the left; not aligned with the rest. A young bellman came over to
straighten it up again and returned to his station by the reception desk.
I waited until I'd caught his eye and put the chair back as I had left it,
grinning the whole time. He returned my grin, so I straightened the chair
and walked over to ask him if he spoke English.
"I speak a little -- not very good. I get nervous. Sorry."
"Don't be sorry! You speak well. I wish I knew how to speak your
language."
"I study class and with..."
At his point he used his hands to form a rounded shape.
"Disc?" I asked.
"Si, yes. I use disc. I learn so I can work on cruise ship -- be cabin
steward."
"That's difficult work! I understand that you never get a whole day off
for six months."
"I know. I work many hours here. Before, I sell things on beach. I'm
here only few months."
"Well, I wish you the best. Oh, excuse me; I think my ride is here."
I glanced at his name tag before I left. Luis, it said.
----------
The meeting was as boring as most business meetings except that I was
intrigued by some of the accents I heard. Most of the people spoke good
English, though it was a bit strange to my ears because it tended to sound
more British than American. None-the-less, I understood and was able to
respond appropriately.
A rather long dinner followed, and it was late in the evening when I
returned to the hotel. My new acquaintance was still at his post. He
grinned broadly when I came into the lobby. We exchanged a few words
before I took the elevator to my 10th floor room.
Once inside, I placed my key card in the little box on the wall to turn on
the electrical power. Several lights came on and the air conditioner began
to hum. I stripped off my clothes and took a warm shower. It felt great
to be naked and free, so I decided to remain that way for what was left of
the evening.
I was half dozing on the bed, lulled by the TV, when I heard a slight rap
on my door. Quickly, I donned a pair of camo boxers that I'd brought along
for cases such as this, or if I had to evacuate the room in the middle of
the night and didn't want to offend the rest of the world. I sleep nude.
Luis was at the door smiling as usual.
"Do you require anything tonight?" he asked.
Inside my head, I was thinking that having him to cuddle in my bed all
night could certainly be classified as a requirement!
"Not really," I said aloud.
He looked disappointed that I didn't have any requests. Perhaps he was
hoping for a tip. I'd have to make sure I was generous when I checked out
at the end of the week.
"Okay, Sir," he said as he turned to go.
"Uh, thanks anyway," I offered, wishing I had the guts to ask him to come
back after he got off work.
----------
He inhabited my dreams that night. In the morning I couldn't remember what
we had done or where we had gone, but I remembered the sweet smile that was
always on his face.
He wasn't drop-dead handsome; his visage bore acne scars like a good many
young men. But his beautiful eyes were what you noticed first; well, maybe
second after his easy grin that could light up a whole room. He was a bit
shorter than I -- maybe 5' 8" and probably weighed 10 or 15 pounds less
-- not an Abercrombie model, but certainly easy to look at.
----------
I ate early the following morning. The buffet was plentiful and varied. I
wasn't used to having mango, guava, bananas, and watermelon available for
starters. I took a little of each. The next table was laden with various
kinds of breads and cakes. At the end were chafing dishes filled with
scrambled eggs and sausages as well as a kind of baked casserole with
cheese and what looked like zucchini.
Today, I decided to forgo the scrambled eggs in favor of a freshly made
omelet. The young man cooking them spoke almost no English, so I pointed
to the things I wanted in it, hoping that I'd correctly identified them.
As I left for a full dreary day of meetings, I saw Luis again. Man, I
thought, he must put in a hell of a lot of hours here. Perhaps life on a
ship wouldn't be any more taxing.
----------
When I returned in the afternoon, Luis was still working and, needless to
say, still smiling. He started to talk to me, but was summoned to the
check-in counter to take care of the luggage for someone who was just
registering. Having nothing better to do at the moment, I waited in the
lobby until Luis returned.
"I have this that I must say in next class," he said as he thrust a paper
into my hands.
I looked over his writing. It was all neat and thought out, but sounded a
bit stiff and formal. I rewrote it below his sentences to make it read
more like American English. He practiced saying it and then thanked me for
helping him.
"Do you have email?" I asked. "I'd be happy to help with your English if
you'd like. Perhaps you could teach me some simple things in Portuguese In
return."
"Oh, yes! Thanks! I will write it on paper."
We exchanged addies before I went up to take a quick shower and change into
shorts and a knit top for a casual dinner in the hotel dining room alone.
----------
I saw him again after dinner. We chatted for a few minutes. I asked if he
had any suggestions for a good beach to visit tomorrow because I had the
day to myself. He told me that he was off the next day too and offered to
take me to his favorite spot.
"I can pick you up next block at 9:00. Hotel doesn't like help mix with
guest."
"One block south?"
"Don't understand `south'."
"The street that goes one-way and is at top of hill," I said motioning with
my hands.
"Si! Is okay with you?"
"Yes. Will there be a place to buy a towel?"
"Yes, but can check one out at reception desk -- not pay."
I gave him the thumbs-up gesture as we parted. Everyone in Brazil seemed
to know that one.
----------
Back in my room, I stripped again and lay naked on my bed. That smile and
those eyes haunted me. While fantasizing about Luis, I couldn't keep my
hand off my swelling dick. I closed my eyes to see his face more clearly.
I'd barely gotten a pleasant rhythm going when I exploded all over my abs
and chest. Another quick shower took care of the resulting mess. I
returned to bed, falling immediately into a deep, restful sleep.
----------
I had brought along an old boxer-type swim suit, but wanted something that
wouldn't make me stand out as a tourist, so I visited the little gift shop
on first floor. There were few suits available, but I found one in my size
with bold red and white stripes. It was cut like a short boxer brief and
the stretchy fabric promised to hug the curves of my bod. When I tried it
on in the tiny dressing room, I realized it would display my junk rather
agreeably. Now, I'd have to concentrate on not throwing a boner on the
beach like the one I was sprouting at the moment!
----------
Luis apologized for the condition of his little car. It was rather old and
a bit ratty, but who was I to complain? It was a ride, and he was generous
enough to share it with a relative stranger. I glanced at the gas gauge
and noticed the tank was running low. I pulled out my billfold and pointed
toward a station coming up on our right.
"Please let me buy," I said.
"You don't have to."
"I know, but I want to. You are using your car to haul me around and the
least I can do is share expenses.
I wasn't sure he understood all the words, but he did pull in to fill the
car, and I did pay.
----------
The beach was a candy store for a guy with an eye for the male form. Many
of the young men wore suits like the one I had on and some had skimpier
ones. I probably stayed semi-erect the whole time we were there. Luis
filled the pouch of his suit nicely and I suspected he might not be
completely flaccid either. I caught him assessing me and I'm pretty sure
he caught me too.
As soon as we got in the sun, Luis and I applied lotions to each other's
back and I got the feeling that both of us enjoyed the experience. I
surely did! We spent part of the time sunning, but went into the ocean to
play in the surf as well.
When it got toward noon, I offered to buy us lunch on the beach from one of
the places that served food and drink. Again, Luis allowed me to treat,
but only after saying that I didn't have to.
"You have lot of sun. Maybe we go to my place so you can shower off sand
and get cool."
"That's very hospitable of you!"
"Don't know word. Is it like place where sick people go?"
"No, it means that you are being kind and caring in opening up your home
and providing for me."
"Yes! That is what I do."
----------
Luis's apartment was small, but neat. It wasn't in the best neighborhood,
nor was it in a slum. It impressed me that it was equipped with hot, well
warm, water - unlike so many of the places where the average people live.
It turned out that his uncle owned the building which gave him some perks.
"You go first while water is warm."
"Is it likely to cool off?"
"Small heater."
"Perhaps we should shower together. You know, get wet, lather up, and
rinse. I could soap your back and you do mine." I suggested.
"Sounds like plan." He laughed, trying to use American slang.
The shower was adequate for two people. It wasn't as big as the one in the
hotel, but not a lot smaller. We stripped off our suits while the shower
was warming up. Both of us got wet, and he turned off the water as I had
suggested. He offered a pleasant-smelling shampoo. I squeezed some out
and handed the bottle back. We lathered up our hair and rinsed. Then he
gave me a small wash cloth and a bar of soap. We took turns scrubbing each
other's back and applied it to the rest of our own body. I was
concentrating on yesterday's meeting trying to rein in my unruly dick.
Luis seemed to be having a similar problem.
After rinsing the soap off, we stood there looking into each other's eyes
as if trying to read each other's thoughts. He seemed to be projecting
desire and fear at the same time. Perhaps I was reading into his
expression what I felt in my mind. I raised my right hand slowing to touch
his cheek. The shadow of a smile appeared instantly. I stepped closer.
He didn't back away. Then I drew his face nearer to mine until our lips
met. I stepped back slightly to see his reaction. The smile was growing.
Our next kiss was filled with passion and need. It was like we wanted to
become one body.
"I was hoping," he said.
"Me too," I agreed.
He led me to his bed where we continued to make out. We were both really
turned on. I pulled him on top of me and cupped his firm ass, causing him
to rub across my body. He caught on to what I was doing very quickly.
Using his toes, he helped in the awesome act of frottage. I'm sure his
loins were as much on fire as mine. We continued for several minutes,
tongue-wrestling as we squirmed together.
Suddenly he uttered a low growl as he froze in place for a second before
spewing his pent-up load. Feeling him cum pushed me over the edge too.
For several seconds we writhed in the exquisite agony of an awesome orgasm.
We kissed tenderly as we came down from our sexual high.
"I love you," he gasped. "Sorry, I shouldn't say that."
"It's okay. I'm beginning to have feelings for you too."
"I know, but is impossible. We are in two different worlds..."
"Yeah I know, but I feel like this was meant to be. Perhaps it will be
nothing more than a fond memory of this week, but I'd like to take you
home."
"US doesn't give visas to us. They think we want to take jobs."
----------
The next few days passed rapidly. I was tied up with company business for
many of my waking hours. There was one half-day trip to the Ypioca Ypark
and Museum to learn about alcohol made from sugar cane called cachaca. I
found out that it differs from rum which is made from molasses. Cachaca
reminded me a bit of Everclear which can be up to 190 proof and is often
used by college kids for a cheap route to intoxication. This stuff had a
similar potential.
Along with some of the members of our Brazilian subsidiary, I rode the tram
affair behind a Massey-Ferguson tractor to check out the amusements. We
younger ones had a great time riding the zip-lines across the hills and a
body of water.
During those days, I saw Luis mostly from a distance. I felt almost as if
he were avoiding me, but he always smiled when our eyes met. His smile
seemed more wistful to me. Perhaps it was my imagination, but I'd read his
emotions before...
On the last night of my stay in the hotel, I called down to the desk to see
if someone who spoke English could help me with a computer problem. It
wasn't anything I couldn't have solved by myself, but I hoped they might
send Luis to trouble-shoot since he had told me he was planning to major in
computer science when he got enough money saved. They did.
"What is the problem, sir," he asked formally.
"The problem is that I have to leave tomorrow and I haven't had a chance to
say goodbye." I said as I took him in my arms.
At first he stiffened, but gradually melted into my arms. We kissed
deeply. There were tears in his eyes.
"I'll miss you, Luis. I wish I didn't have to go. If only I could smuggle
you home in an extra suitcase."
"I will miss you too. I don't want you to go, but I know it must be. I
will stay in touch on email."
We cuddled on the bed for several minutes until he said he mustn't stay
longer or the night manager might get suspicious, thinking he was off
somewhere loafing. He couldn't afford to lose his job before he got signed
on a ship.
We kissed again at the door.
"Thanks so much for your help!" I exclaimed. "Obrigado."
"De nada."
----------
Late the next afternoon, Luis got my luggage out of the lock up area (I had
had to check out at noon.) As he placed it in the trunk of the cab, I
slipped him a 20 Real note. It was worth about $14 or less, but would be
considered an extravagant tip in Brazil.
"I can't take this; is too much."
"I want you to have it. Please do it for me."
"Okay, if you make me."
"Yes, I make you!"
"Obrigado."
"You're welcome. And thank you for your hospitality."
"De nada."
----------
Although I was flying first class on the red-eye to Atlanta, I had
difficulty sleeping. Every time I'd drift off, Luis's sad eyes would
startle me awake. I knew I'd have to find a way to see him again. Maybe I
could catch a nap on my connecting flight. I could only hope.
----------
Over the next few months we emailed almost daily. The times I didn't hear
from him were when his Internet service was down. He sent me his
assignments and I happily modified them so that they sounded the way we
would talk in the US. He kept me posted on his progress. It seemed that
he was the head of the class because of how he spoke and wrote. He
credited my long-distance tutoring with making him successful.
During all that time, I didn't date or hook up with anyone. Sure I had
desires, but I satisfied them by looking at porn on the `net and exercising
my right hand. I'm not sure why I didn't feel right about getting off with
someone else, but I didn't. Luis had my heart. Yeah, dumb, I know. I
would have to get over him eventually.
----------
In November I got a glowing note from Luis telling me that he had signed
onto a Carnival Cruise Line ship called "The Liberty." He would be sailing
in the Caribbean for the next several months, leaving from San Juan and
going as far as Barbados, hitting St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Martinique
during the round trip. I had already reserved a week and a half of
vacation leave over Christmas. Since I'd been alienated from my family
after coming out several years ago, I often traveled over the holidays so
as not to feel lonely. A cruise in a warmer clime would certainly hit the
spot.
I called the cruise line with one major requirement. I had a particular
deck on the port side aft where I wanted to be. Fortunately I booked early
enough to reserve it. There was a surcharge for Christmas week, but that
was the least of my concerns.
----------
"Good evening, sir. I am Luis. I will serve as your cabin steward on this
cruise. Oh, my God! It is really you?"
"It is, and I want all the attention I can get for the next week."
"Yes sir, I will try to fulfill your every wish."
"Could you help me settle my clothes after you greet the rest of the
guests?"
"I would be pleased to do so,"
"Wow, you speak very good English!"
"I had an excellent tutor from the United States."
---------
It was later in the evening when I heard a soft rap on my cabin door. I
peered through the tiny glass peep-hole to see Luis's smiling face. Of
course I opened the door quickly.
"I am here to arrange your things, sir," he said grinning more broadly.
I closed the door behind him and took him into my arms. There was no hint
of stiffness in his posture, though I could feel some beginning in his
pants.
"I love you." I whispered.
"I love you too," he responded. "I have kept myself for you."
"You haven't been with anyone else?"
"No."
"I haven't either. I'm glad we mean so much to each other, but it's
probably impractical."
"I don't think so. Only if I find that I can never be with you will I take
another lover."
"Wow! That's so cool. Do we have time?"
"Yes, I am off duty now until 6:00 a.m."
"Can you sleep with me?"
"Yes. Carnival's motto is `the fun ships' and we are encouraged to do
whatever guests want if we want it too. The veterans on here tell me some
old ladies tip generously."
"I'll prove to you that young guys do too. Let me help you undress."
----------
After our hot frottage session, I suggested we go to the Lido deck to
assuage our hunger.
"You forget; I cannot eat there with the guests. I'm hired help. We get
whatever they cook for us."
"Is it slop?"
"No, it's not bad, but not cuisine either."
"Okay, I'll order from room service. Pick out whatever looks good to you."
He hid out in the bathroom when the room service boy came in with our light
meal. I signed the ticket which included a 15% tip, but gave the guy a
little extra. He smiled his appreciation.
We ate our snack and drank our bottle of wine on the balcony, naked. We
kept grinning at each other in the moonlight the whole time. When we were
finished, I stood, pulling him up into my arms. We both got hard again.
----------
Okay, I minored in writing in college and I have an extensive vocabulary in
correct English as well as slang. However, saying that our night was
"fuckin' awesome, stupendous, ecstatic, over the top, or whatever," doesn't
even scratch the surface. Mere words cannot express what I felt and what I
know Luis felt too.
In the morning, I arose early and brought back breakfast from the Lido
deck. Luis showered and we ate nude on the balcony again.
"Are you okay for clothes?
"Yes, they like us to wear a uniform two days in a row because of laundry
expense. I can get by with the underwear again."
"Here, take a clean pair of mine."
"What will you do?"
"I packed a couple of extras in case of flight delays and I can always
rinse some out if I have to. I'd love to trade you for yours."
"Why would you want mine?"
I picked them up and sniffed the crotch.
"Does that answer your question?"
"Yes, but I will bring these back and trade for a pair that you have worn
all day. I will have a souvenir too!"
"Can you sleep here again tonight?"
"Yes, but I cannot guarantee that I can cum as much tonight."
"No problem! I'll be content to hold you in my arms."
----------
I took tours on each of the islands and I enjoyed what I saw. There were a
few other singles on most of them, so I had some companionship. But, it
would have been better with Luis there. Every time I saw something cool,
I`d think of him, wishing we were together.
He did have a partial day off in Barbados, so I took him with me to see Sam
Lord's Castle and the caves. That was the best of all my sight-seeing
adventures -- because of sharing them with him.
----------
On the fourth night, he asked me to take his virginity. I was hesitant to
do so.
"Luis, what if we aren't able to be together again?"
"Then I would forever regret not coupling with you."
"Oh, Baby. I love you so much."
"Then take me."
"Okay, but only if you take me tomorrow night."
"Deal!" he grinned.
Yeah, I did as he wanted. I took a long time loosening him up. He had
brought a tube of lube and I had one too, just in case. We made out for
probably 20 minutes and were both on the verge before I ever attempted to
enter him.
When I did, he took me without showing any signs of discomfort. We were
face to face so I could observe his expression and so that we could
continue to kiss. I began very slowly, not speeding up until he begged me
to do so.
It must have been good for him because he exploded between us just as I
started to blow my load. We both nearly screamed in ecstasy when we came.
We lay basking in the afterglow until I eventually went soft and slipped
out.
"I love you, David," he whispered.
"And I you," I answered. "Please do your best to get that student visa and
apply to schools near me. We must be together!"
----------
The following day was a full day at sea. I spent part of the time sunning
and also went down the water slide when I could get in a turn between the
kids who were always there. After a while, I went to relax in the steam
room, leaving the slide to the younger set.
A handsome young African American stud came into the room and sat across
from me. He was clad only in a towel just like I was. After a few minutes
he used the corner of his towel to wipe his eyes. In doing so, he exposed
a beautiful cut cock that appeared to be partially erect. It was an
awesome sight and had I not been in love with Luis, I would have gladly
invited him back to my cabin.
When I didn't return his signal, he shrugged and got up to leave.
"You're hot, but I have a lover," I said as he was about to go.
"Thanks. I was afraid I was losing my touch."
"Not a chance! That's a prime piece of meat, but I'm spoken for."
"Too bad! You're causing quite a bulge in that towel!"
I looked down and saw that I was indeed plumping up. I stood up, removing
my towel, and repositioning it around my waist, giving him a chance to
check me out. He gave me an appreciative grin before he left for the sauna
next door.
I headed for the shower. I was not about to let myself be tempted to
stray.
----------
That night I gave myself to Luis. My ass was virgin territory and I was a
bit apprehensive as to how I would feel. I needn't have worried. No one
could have been more gentle or considerate than Luis. He made my whole
body sing! When he filled me with his warm juices, I went over the edge
with him. It was like magic! I never knew being on the bottome could be
so good.
As we came down from our mountain-top experience, we cuddled and talked
about our future together. Luis was going to apply to every college and
technical school that offered a degree in computers and electrical
engineering in the state of Iowa. He was a man on a mission!
----------
The days on shipboard went more rapidly than on any cruise I'd taken in the
past. Luis spent every night in my bed. Sometimes we made love more than
once and sometimes not at all. When we cuddled and talked, it was as good
as if we had had multiple orgasms. Being together was that special.
Too soon, the last night arrived. I had to have my luggage outside my
stateroom door for the men to load up for our departure in the morning.
Unfortunately, the stewards had to be involved in the process. When Luis
softly rapped on my door, it was well past midnight. That wasn't a problem
for me because I could sleep on the plane. But Luis would have to work all
day preparing the cabins for the next guests who would board that
afternoon.
I wanted him to sleep as much as he could, but he insisted that we must
make love one more time before we parted. It was bittersweet for both of
us. The sex was awesome, but the fact that we wouldn't be together again
for many months weighed heavily on our hearts.
----------
In the morning, outside my cabin, I shook his hand and gave him an envelope
containing a very large tip. He slipped it into his pocket without opening
it, of course. He would later email me that he cried on seeing the amount
and reading the note that accompanied it. I left with tears in my eyes
too.
----------
During the ensuing months, we emailed as often as possible. The employees
were allowed some free minutes, but I'm sure he had to pay for many that he
used. At least my tip should keep him from spending his own money on that.
About two months later, he informed me that he would be on a different ship
and route. This would be a 12 day cruise in the Mediterranean. I thought
about using the rest of my vacation to go there, but Luis said that it
might be a temporary assignment and he didn't know how long it would last.
He had become well respected for his work and might be transferred to the
Alaska run. Those who showed promise were sometimes allowed to see more of
the world.
I missed him more every day. So, I buried myself in my job and as a result
got a promotion which would move me to our headquarters near Des Moines. I
encouraged Luis to be sure to apply to Drake University and Iowa State
because both would be within commuting distance of my new condo. He
responded that he already had done so.
A couple of weeks before his tour of duty was up, Luis emailed that he'd
been accepted at both schools, but was going to go to Drake because there
was more scholarship money available. I was elated.
----------
In early August, about 14 months after we'd first met, his connecting
flight from Atlanta touched down at the Des Moines airport. When he
managed to get off the plane and down to the area outside security, he
hurried toward baggage pickup with a large carry-on slung over his
shoulder. The minute he spied me, his face lit up with his famous grin.
At that moment I thought he was the most handsome man in the world. He
dropped his baggage while we embraced and kissed.
"I'll bet you're exhausted," I said after we'd broken our lip lock.
"I'm not too bad because I slept a lot on the plane from Brazil. There are
advantages in flying the red-eye."
"Well, let's get the rest of your luggage and take you home."
----------
His eyes widened at the sight of my convertible. I put the top down so we
could put one of his bags and his carry-on in the back seat. The other
suitcase barely made it into the trunk and I had to use a bungee cord to
hold down the lid since it wouldn't come down quite far enough to latch.
He seemed to have brought most of his earthly possessions with him.
On the way to the condo, we drove past the Drake campus so he could see how
near it was to where he would be living. He marveled at many of the things
he saw. He couldn't grasp how green the grass was and how clean the
grounds looked.
The place where I lived was also amazing to him. He questioned the safety
of living in a house that wasn't surrounded by cement walls topped with
concertina razor wire or shards of broken glass. He had been exposed to
places like that in Europe, but assumed the US would be more like Brazil.
At last we garaged the car and brought his bags to my door. I unlocked it
and grabbed hold of him, face to face, telling him to wrap his legs around
my waist. Then I carried him over the threshold. I had to explain the
significance of that act. He got teary-eyed knowing that I was treating
him like a spouse.
I insisted that he take a long, warm shower alone to clean off the sweat of
travel and to refresh and relax his body. Then I tucked him into bed for a
nap while I began preparations for dinner.
An hour and a half later, Luis emerged from our bedroom wearing only the
black silk boxers I'd left on the night table for him. They fit him
beautifully and didn't altogether hide his assets. Wow, I loved him!
We ate on the balcony, clad in cargo shorts with no shirts. The breeze was
enough to keep us from feeling overly warm. I don't think either of us
stopped smiling through the whole meal.
"You are a very good cook, David."
"I've been at it awhile because of liking to eat and living alone."
"Are you really sure you want me to live here in this luxury with you. I
cannot repay you in the near future."
"Yeah, I sure and I don't want to hear anything about repaying! I'll clear
the table and we'll take the wine inside. I have a serious proposal for
you."
"I will help you."
We sat side by side on the sofa in the living room with our wine, sipping a
bit when we stopped kissing. I went into the bedroom and returned with a
small box. Luis looked at it curiously. I got down on one knee, looked
him in the eyes and said what I'd wanted to say for several months.
"Luis, will you marry me? We can do that in this state."
"Oh yes, I will marry you if that is possible."
I slipped the ring on his finger. It was too small to go on all the way,
but we could have it stretched. Then I handed him one to place on my
finger.
"We can use these in our ceremony if you like. I want us to be married as
soon as possible. Then we can apply for permanent residency for you and
you won't be in jeopardy of losing your student visa when our governments
get into some tug of war over immigration."
----------
The next day we applied for our marriage license and three days later we
were married in a small chapel. I'd love to say that we lived happily ever
after, but it's only been a couple of months of bliss so far. I'll give
you an update when we have our 50th anniversary...
-----------------------------------End-----------------------------------
Thanks to all the readers who emailed at the end of the Second Chance
series. The list includes: Helen S, Sam S, Tim K, Walt W, Walter S, Ott H,
Roger L, Roger R, Rutabaga, Tom A, Jacob S, Michael W, AJ B, James H, Jim
R, Don H, Nala I, Ben M, Jim W, Tony C, RC, Steve, Steve P, Edward D, Roger
P, Jack H, Peter H, Jim C, Harry T, Paul R, Carroll, and James H.
I'll probably post another short story under the "high school" category
next week.
David